Trav,
Consider your priorities very carefully. I know we all joke about how "hunting is second to nothing else, etc." but for reasons others on this thread have stated, make your family come first no matter what.
I have 2 sons both born at the end of October (their birthdays are 2 days apart). I know, I know, what the hell was I thinking?! I still went deer hunting (general rifle in Utah) when my first son was due, and my wife still to this day doesn't let me forget about it (even though I was present when he was born, and got to witness the whole thing).
I learned my lesson after that, and with my second boy (born last year), I made sure I put everything on hold to keep the peace. Did I almost go insane because of the long winter (with no hunting in the fall prior, it makes it seem literally endless)? Hell Yeah! But I wouldn't trade witnessing the miracle of life as my boys came into this world for the biggest buck there ever was.
I'll be 30 this year, and perhaps I'm starting to realize things my old man was trying to teach me when I was so much younger (that he had come to know having already experienced it). Hunting is awesome, and there is nothing I would rather be doing when the opportunity presents itself, but it's not the most important thing in life. That doesn't mean I'm ready to hang up my rifle whatsoever. I'd like to think there's still many a buck in them thar' hills that have my name on them (so I hope). But, when all is said and done, even the memories will begin to fade. Hopefully we'll have more to show for our lives in addition to how many animals we've taken down, or how big.
I know it's probably not realistic at this point for you to back out of your plans due to $, etc. Just make sure you spend your time as wisely as you can doing what matters most.
EG
"A man can be hard to find in the mountains, but you're welcome at my fire anytime."
And I'm 100% serious and she knows it.
